This report highlights the particular strengths and comparative advantages of the UK’s creative industries, and outlines how a more co-ordinated and concerted approach to government policy could help realise the country’s full potential as a world leader in creative content.

Africa’s agricultural, mining and energy resources could boost the continent’s economic growth and pave the way for a breakthrough in human development, according to the African Economic Outlook 2013. The report is produced annually by the African Development Bank (AfDB), the OECD Development Centre, the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and the UN Development Programme (UNDP). It covers economic, social and political development in 53 of the continent’s 54 countries.

The winter 2014 edition of Asset Class, published by Lambert Smith Hampton, provides asset management insight into the UK property market. Articles include the effect of business rates on sustainability, meting the need for modern space, and amendments to the Community Infrastructure Levy Regulations.

In February 2014, the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) in partnership with Sustainable Travel International hosted a live virtual educational presentation with over 300 registrations from around the world. The webinar was presented by Dr. Kelly Bricker, Chair of the GSTC Board, as well as Dr. Louise Twining-Ward and Jeremy Sampson from Sustainable Travel International. Some of the attendees included Kuoni Travel, The Nature Conservancy, PATA, Royal Caribbean, Rainforest Alliance, Sabre Holdings, and numerous ministries of tourism and regional tourism organizations. During the 60-minute interactive gathering, Lara Velasco of Turismo Lanzarote and Dr. Lars Lindkvist of Kenya’s Mara Naboisho Conservancy showcased their “Early Adopter” experience, the first initiative in the Destination Partnership Program. This webinar was the first held in a series of informational programs to put sustainability efforts in the spotlight. Slides and a video recording are available online.

NBS is inviting practitioners to join the NBS Construction Contract & Law LinkedIn Group, which it has set up to facilitate a forum for discussion and debate, sharing opinions, asking questions and raising concerns in this specialist subject area. The group is expected to be of particular interest to small practices.

The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) exemption for self-build homes introduced on 23 February 2014 is just one of a raft of changes that have come into effect, many prompted by property industry concerns that the emerging system is at risk of becoming unworkable. Underpinning the system from now on will be a new requirement that local authorities strike an appropriate balance in CIL charging schedules between funding infrastructure and not threatening the economic viability of development.